These Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy. They are the perfect treat for any occasion!
Honestly, these cookies are so good that I can’t stop eating them. They’re also super easy to make, which means more time for cookie munching! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in your cookies. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe. Some people even like using coconut oil for a different flavor!
Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener here! If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but texture may vary slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best structure. You could swap half for almond flour for a gluten-free option, but the cookies will be denser.
Eggs: The egg binds everything together. You can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes) for a vegan option!
Almond Extract: This is optional but adds a lovely hint of flavor. If you’re not a fan, just skip it or replace it with more vanilla extract.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To get that melt-in-your-mouth feel, it’s all about mixing and baking times! Here are some tips:
- When creaming butter and sugar, beat until light and fluffy—this gives you a nice airy texture.
- Don’t overmix your dough after adding the flour. Just mix until ingredients are combined; this helps keep the cookies tender.
- Take them out of the oven when the edges are slightly golden but the center looks soft. They continue to bake on the sheet, so they’ll stay chewy!
- Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack.
These tips will help you bake cookies that truly melt in your mouth and stay soft for days (if they last that long!).
Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
For Decoration:
- Sprinkles or colored sugar, for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this delicious cookie recipe is about 20 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for baking. Be sure to set aside a few extra minutes for the cookies to cool down before you dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures the baking soda and powder are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This is a crucial step as it creates the soft texture of the cookies!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender and soft!
6. Form the Cookie Dough Balls:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated for a sweet exterior.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
8. Add Some Fun Decorations:
If you want to jazz them up, gently press some sprinkles or colored sugar onto the top of each cookie ball.
9. Bake ‘Em Up:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for the edges to just start turning golden while the centers should still look soft.
10. Cool Down:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to sit on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This helps them set a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy!
These melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies are now ready for you to enjoy! Pair them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage for a perfect treat any time.
Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a cozy weekend at home, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them! Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture. You might want to use a 50/50 blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter cookie!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough for Later Use?
Absolutely! You can scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes! To make the cookies vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based butter. They’ll still turn out delicious!